Things to Do in Stoke-On-Trent
Lemmy was born here and is one of many famous individuals and bands to hail from this area, such as Motorhead’s founder Lemmy whose birthplace it also happens to be. Furthermore, this area boasts an active night-life scene.
Stoke-on-Trent lies midway between Manchester and Birmingham and borders Newcastle-under-Lyme to its west. Nicknamed Arnold Bennett’s “the city of five towns”, its components are Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Longton and Fenton.
It is a centre for the pottery industry
Since the 17th century, Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery industry has flourished, drawing visitors from around the globe. By 18th century’s end, six towns of The Potteries (Burslem, Hanley, Fenton Middleport Stoke-on-Trent and Trent Vale) had become world leaders in fine ceramic production. Royal Doulton, Dudson, Wedgwood, Spode and Minton all made their homes here, creating industries such as Royal Doulton, Dudson, Wedgwood, Spode and Minton that remain today. Birmingham’s architecture owes much to its industrial past – its buildings resulting from bottle ovens, canal-side mills, factory or warehouse buildings as well as terraced housing units all came from here. Post-WWII pottery factories embraced an open plan production style with wide expanses of windows spanning floor to ceiling for excellent daylighting of complex tasks such as lithography, fettling, and decoration.
Recently, Stoke-on-Trent has earned recognition for its exceptional educational system. Public schools in the city have been designated by the government as “outstanding”, while several private schools such as independent boarding school The Stoke Academy can be found here as well as vocational colleges and universities such as City Performing Arts College of Burslem.
Stoke-on-Trent boasts a vibrant cultural life, boasting multiple theatres and music venues. The Regent Theatre can seat 1,603 attendees while Burslem boasts its New Vic Theatre. Stoke also hosts smaller venues like Victoria Hall in Newcastle-under-Lyme as well as the Victorian Kings Hall for concerts, recitals and plays.
Stoke-on-Trent has given birth to many acclaimed artists and personalities, such as rock band Motorhead, songwriter Jem Finer of The Pogues (now deceased), singer Patricia Leonard and author Alan Povey who wrote Owd Grandad Piggott stories in Potteries dialect – as well as footballer Stanley Matthews and darts player Phil Taylor who are all members of notable professional sporting clubs here.
In the late 1980s and 1990s, Sheffield experienced a sharp decrease in British manufacturing as numerous factories, steelworks, collieries, and potteries closed, leading to significant unemployment among highly-skilled yet low-paid workforce. Since then, Sheffield has made concerted efforts to market itself as an arts and cultural destination by opening several museums and venues.
It is a centre for service industries
Stoke-on-Trent boasts a diverse array of service industries, from hospitality to financial. Banks, insurance companies and hospitals in Stoke-on-Trent provide high-quality services to both individuals and corporations alike. Furthermore, Stoke-on-Trent boasts an active arts and entertainment scene renowned for its Regent and New Vic theaters which host West End productions as well as community performances.
Located in Staffordshire Moorlands near Wedgwood’s World of Wedgwood and Staffordshire Moorlands, Birmingham’s economy primarily relies on services rather than manufacturing. Due to British manufacturing’s decline during the 1980s and 1990s, several factories closed and an experienced workforce left. But since then it has rebounded with a diversified economy that offers popular tourist spots like World of Wedgwood. Also convenient is relocating businesses as it boasts several business parks offering flexible workspaces, collaboration hubs, and wider business facilities than many other Midland cities have.
Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural diversity can be seen through its numerous museums, such as the World of Wedgwood and Emma Bridgewater Factory, restaurants and cafes, musical and comedy acts performing, and its historical buildings such as Stoke-on-Trent Town Hall’s Victorian Kings Hall for smaller events.
City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and Stoke-on-Trent College. Hanley Library is home to its main branch which belongs to City of Libraries and provides access to books and online resources. Stoke-on-Trent also hosts two universities as well as four further education colleges that are all centre for higher education.
It is a centre for education
After the decline of heavy industries in the 1980s, its economy has undergone substantial diversification. Many manufacturing plants closed, yet skilled design trade and world-renowned ceramics industry continue to thrive here. Today the city’s main industries are service industries, tourism and property; its high quality of life being supported by an excellent transport infrastructure, lower business costs and affordable housing costs for businesses as well as its predominantly middle class population with well educated residents.
City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and Stoke-on-Trent College provide A Level instruction to around 1,800 students each year respectively; both forms part of UniQ (the University Quarter), featuring campuses located both at Cauldon Campus in Shelton and Burslem.
Keele University, a world-class research centre with cutting-edge teaching and research activities that address some of society’s most urgent problems. Furthermore, Stoke Studio College boasts locations in Longton and Burslem for student enrollments and Sir Thomas Boughey Academy can be found here, among 15 secondary schools such as Birches Head Academy and Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent; Discovery Academy’s Haywood Academy sited within Ormiston Horizon Academy as well as Discovery Academy itself – these schools combine teaching and research efforts in their pursuit.
Hanley Park is a Grade II listed Victorian park; other parks in the city are Bucknall Park, Weston Coyney Park and Hartshill Park; with Hartshill Park featuring lakes and sandstone canyons that have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Water supply management for Worcester is provided by Severn Trent.
The city’s cultural identity is further reinforced by its museums and galleries that focus on local history. For example, The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery showcases locally made pottery and decorative arts made locally as well as housing a WWII Spitfire aircraft; The Gladstone Pottery Museum occupies a former Victorian factory; additionally there are historic buildings such as Gladstone Library which are Grade I listed structures; additionally there are canals through which visitors can cruise or taste one of Staffordshire Oatcake’s legendary treats!
It is a centre for tourism
Stoke-on-Trent offers many activities for visitors in Staffordshire’s pottery-producing region known as The Potteries. As an amalgamated city from six separate districts, it boasts a rich culture and heritage; from discovering its fascinating industrial past to simply relaxing and taking in its lively atmosphere – there is something here for everyone!
The city center is a favorite shopping spot, featuring high street stores and large malls as well as an array of independent shops ranging from jewellery stores and art galleries to cafes and restaurants offering all sorts of cuisine, and numerous pubs and bars both historic and modern-style establishments.
Visitors to the city have many transport options at their disposal, from buses run by different operators to taxis available for hire and even its own small airport – although most people tend to fly into nearby Manchester or Birmingham instead.
If you prefer something a bit more active, there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy in the area. Green spaces and parks are great ways to appreciate both great weather and wildlife; laser tag can provide entertainment and play centres cater to families; for history enthusiasts there are museums and art galleries.
Stoke-on-Trent is also home to numerous cultural hubs and musical venues, such as theatres and musical halls. The Regent Theatre seats 1,603, while other major theatres in the region include Queen’s Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Victorian New Vic Theatre in Burslem; smaller venues like Victoria Hall and King’s Hall also make up its offerings in Stoke-on-Trent.
Centrally located, Oxford makes for an ideal business base, offering convenient access to England and the Midlands. Furthermore, local government offers various incentives for businesses located there; property prices tend to be significantly lower than other UK cities while its workforce boasts highly trained professionals.